Another mysterious "aliens" has visited Earth! It's visible to the naked eye!

Following Comet Neowise in 2020 and Comet Leonard in 2021, another comet worth looking forward to has entered the public's field of vision. According to astronomical science experts, Comet C/2022 E3 is currently "approaching" the Earth, and the Chinese public is expected to catch a glimpse of this "extraordinary visitor" with their naked eyes in places with good observation conditions.

Image source: Xingyuan Shanfeng Team (Leonard's Comet photographed in Lijiang, Yunnan on December 21, 2021)

Comet C/2022 E3 was first observed and discovered by the Zwicky Transient Research Facility in March 2022. Xiu Lipeng, a member of the Chinese Astronomical Society and a director of the Tianjin Astronomical Society, said that although the comet is small in size, it will be closer to the Earth. According to data, in January 2023, Comet C/2022 E3 moved from Corona Borealis through Bootes, Draco, Ursa Minor to Camelopardalis at a very fast speed. In December 2022 and January 2023, astronomical photography enthusiasts have photographed the comet. From the published photos, the comet is emerald green with a bright and wide tail.

Image source: Astronomy enthusiast Feng Guodong (C/2022 E3 comet photographed in Shangri-La, Yunnan in the early morning of January 3, 2023.)

On February 2, 2023, Comet C/2022 E3 will pass perigee, about 0.28 astronomical units from the Earth (astronomical units refer to the average distance from the Sun to the Earth, which is about 150 million kilometers).

"When passing the perigee, according to predictions, the brightness of Comet C/2022 E3 may reach 5th magnitude, but the bright moonlight will affect observation. Interested members of the public in my country can choose to observe it in the last week of January. During this period, the comet will move near the north celestial pole. For the northern region of my country, the comet does not set all night and can be observed. The best observation time is from the second half of the night to before dawn. When the astronomical dawn begins, the comet is located above the North Star, with the highest altitude above the horizon, and the best observation conditions. It is best to choose a place without light pollution when observing, such as suburbs and mountains. Before observing and shooting, you can use the Astronomy App, mini-programs or light pollution maps for inquiries. The effect of observation with the naked eye alone will not be very good. Be sure to bring binoculars or a small astronomical telescope to see more clearly." Xiu Lipeng said.

Comets are small celestial bodies in the solar system, mainly composed of water ice. Most comets are relatively dim, and it is rare for them to be bright enough to be seen with the naked eye, such as the 2020 Comet NEOWISE.

Image source: Astronomy enthusiast Sun Si (Comet Neowise photographed in Huairou, Beijing on July 19, 2020.)

Xiu Lipeng said that comets worth seeing are hard to come by because there are too many uncertainties. For example, the "Comets of the Century" ISON and C/2019 Y4, which once attracted the attention of the global public, both disintegrated before reaching their "highlight moment", which is very regrettable.

Image source: Astronomy enthusiast Lu Shupei (Comet Neowise was photographed in Mingantu, Zhengxiangbai Banner, Inner Mongolia on July 14, 2020.)

"Comet C/2022 E3 is a long-period comet, which means we will never see it again on Earth in our lifetime. Regardless of whether it can be seen with the naked eye or whether it will become the 'brightest star in the night sky', observing or recording a comet that you will only encounter once in a lifetime is an unforgettable experience," said Xiu Lipeng.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

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